§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether decisions have been taken regarding the future of the Royal Navy's reserve forces; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonNow that we have decided on the size of and shape of our regular forces, we have examined more closely our requirements for Naval reserves having taken due account of our experience of Operation Granby.
The key roles of the volunteer reserves will remain unchanged; but detailed consideration of the unit and branch structure of the (RNR) has resulted in a decision to reduce their current manpower level of 5,900 by 1,200; and the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS) is similarly to reduce its current manpower level of 2,850 by 150.
As to the future of the RNR and RNXS, a tri-service study team has been established to examine the mix of regular and reserve forces. Its aim will be to develop a 704W defence-wide manpower structure for the period 1995 onwards matched to forecast tasks, reduced readiness requirements and extended warning and preparation time. This will provide a foundation to develop a more streamlined Naval reserves capable of meeting their future objectives in a cost-effective manner.